Teledentistry Gets Boost From Assembly

The Assembly yesterday passed a bill to expand teledentistry in California.

AB 1174 by Assembly member Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) expands scope of practice for dental assistants and hygienists so they can participate in teledentistry efforts. The bill is designed to reach people in underserved areas -- particularly rural areas -- across the state, Bocanegra said.

"[The bill] will boost dental services in communities that currently lack these services," Bocanegra said. "And these services will be billed through Medi-Cal."

The bill includes language that would make teledentistry services covered under Medi-Cal.